Bishop in Syracuse assumes additional responsibilities, stating it enables him to effectively address parishioners' needs
Bishop Douglas J. Lucia, the Bishop of the Diocese of Syracuse, has taken on a new role as pastor of the Baldwinsville pastoral care area. This move, prompted by the unexpected appointment of Father Joseph O'Connor to a five-year term as vice rector at Mount St. Mary's Seminary in Emmitsburg, Maryland, exemplifies the spirit of service in successful pastoral planning.
Bishop Lucia's decision to take on this role was influenced by his belief in the bishop's role being among the people and countering the perception of the bishop's office as distant or isolated. He wrote in a letter to the Baldwinsville parish families that openness to God's call remains at the center of this process.
In his new role, Bishop Lucia will oversee three churches: St. Augustine, St. Elizabeth Ann Seton, and St. Mary of the Assumption. He anticipates his tenure to last approximately one year, aiming to minimize disruptions in the diocese. Traditionally, new priestly assignments in the Syracuse Diocese are announced in the spring and take effect on July 1.
Bishop Lucia's hope has always been to continue being a parish priest, as he was called to be the Bishop of the Diocese of Syracuse six years ago. He believes in the shared resources and community building among parishes, and he emphasized the importance of pastoral teams, stating that a parish is not just the priests doing everything, but a collaborative effort involving deacons, lay leaders, and the entire church community.
This is not the first time Bishop Lucia has taken on additional parish responsibilities. He previously served as pastor of St. Margaret's Church in Mattydale from 2022 to 2025. Father Joseph Zareski was appointed administrator of St. Margaret's Church on July 1, 2023, ending Bishop Lucia's tenure there.
Bishop Lucia's administrative team expressed concerns about him overextending himself. However, he prefers not to make midyear changes in pastoral assignments but felt it necessary to pivot quickly to meet the needs of both parishioners and clergy in the current situation. He highlighted the need to understand each parish's personnel, financial resources, and the overall health and well-being of priests.
Bishop Lucia cited retired Bishop Peter J. Jugis of Charlotte, North Carolina, and the late Bishop Kenneth E. Untener of Saginaw, Michigan, as examples of bishops who have taken on additional parish responsibilities. He aims to follow in their footsteps, remaining close to his flock and embodying the spirit of service that characterises effective pastoral planning.
